Alarming new Stroke Foundation data has revealed Australians are putting themselves and
others at risk by not knowing that a stroke is always a triple zero call.
The foundation's most recent annual F.A.S.T. National Awareness Survey found that, in the
past three years, there has been a significant drop in the number of Australians who know the
right thing to do when someone is having a stroke is to call triple zero (000) as soon as
possible. The share of Australians who know the right action has fallen to 78 per cent in 2023
(down from 82 per cent in 2020).
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy, says this is a major concern.
"When a stroke strikes, it attacks up to 1.9 million brain cells per minute, so it is absolutely
critical that triple zero is called immediately to get the patient the emergency specialist treatment
they need, as quickly as possible."
The survey also found that in the event of stroke, nearly 1 in 4 Australians delay calling the
ambulance by lying the patient on their side, covering them with a blanket, calling a GP or other
inappropriate first actions.
"Do not delay calling triple zero (000). For every 15 minutes saved in restoring blood flow to the
brain, one month of healthy life is gained."
Every year, more than 27,000 Australians will experience a stroke for the first time and there are
currently more than 445,000 Australians living with the effects of stroke.
"We want the 27,000 people who are expected to have a stroke every year to have the best
chance of survival and the best chance of living well after stroke. That starts with a triple zero
(000) call and getting immediate emergency medical treatment," Dr Murphy said.
Stroke Foundation is urging all Australians to learn the F.A.S.T. acronym which highlights the
common signs of stroke. F is for face-check their face, has their mouth drooped? A is for armscan
they lift both arms? S is for speech- is their speech slurred, do they understand you? And T
is for time- time is critical, call triple zero immediately.
"Call triple zero (000) at the first sign of stroke. This vital action is the first step in helping
someone get the time-critical medical help they need. It gives them the best chance of a good
outcome."
